If you are looking to pursue further studies, a Master's Degree in Australia can be a transformative experience. Australia offers world-class education, a welcoming environment, and a diverse range of courses for students from Sri Lanka.
Well-liked study abroad master's courses in Australia include IT, Business, Engineering, and Healthcare, offering rigorous career prospects and international exposure. The top master's institutions of the University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney, Monash University, and the Australian National University (ANU) are widely regarded as the top master's institutions in Australia.
A master's degree in Australia costs between AUD $17,000 and AUD $53,000 per year, depending on the programme and institution. When we talk about the cost of living in Australia, international students typically spend between AUD $20,000 and AUD $27,000 per year.
Poststudy work visa in Australia allows international students to stay for up to two years for coursework/extended degrees, and up to three years for research degrees. Studying and residing in a regional area initially can open doors to an additional 1-2 year visa extension. This temporary visa is a key step for Sri Lankan graduates to acquire Australian work experience, which can subsequently lead to opportunities for permanent residency through skilled migration pathways.
Whether it's a Master's of Business Administration (MBA) in Australia, a Master's of Information Technology in Australia, or a Master's of Engineering in Australia, there are no wrong choices for your career goals.
Why a Master's Degree in Australia?
Choosing to study a Master's Degree in Australia is a smart decision for Sri Lankan students aiming for high-quality education and career growth. Australia's universities combine practical learning with excellent global rankings and postgraduation work opportunities.
Here is why students prefer studying a master's programme in Australia:
- Globally recognised degrees that boost your international employability.
- A wide range of master's programmes in Australia for international students across major fields.
- Attractive scholarships for a master's degree in Australia to lower education costs.
- Eligibility for a poststudy work visa in Australia after study.
- Solid pathways for skilled graduates to permanent residency (PR).
- Multicultural campuses with lively lifestyles.
- Ability to work part-time while you study.
A Master's Degree in Australia provides further academic opportunities for Sri Lankan students, offering the chance to create a settled and successful future.
Top Master's Degree Courses in Australia
Australia provides a vast array of postgraduate courses that will set you up for professional success. Whether it is business, technology, healthcare, or education, there is a programme for you.
The following are a selection of the top courses for international students available in Australia:
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University Name
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Popular Master’s Programmes
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What Makes It Stand Out
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University of Melbourne
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Business, Engineering, Health Sciences
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Top 50 in global rankings, excellent research facilities
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University of Sydney
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MBA, Data Science, Public Health
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High employability rates and strong PR pathways
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Monash University
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Information Technology, Nursing, Education
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Largest university in Australia, with industry partnerships
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Australian National University (ANU)
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Finance, Engineering, Political Science
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No.1 for research output and global leadership programmes
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University of Queensland
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Biotechnology, Business, Environmental Sciences
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Strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship
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University of New South Wales (UNSW)
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Engineering, Information Systems, MBA
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Consistently ranks in the top 50 worldwide, career-ready courses
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RMIT University
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Engineering, Design, Business
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Hands-on industry experience and internships
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Macquarie University
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Finance, Information Technology, Health
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High graduate employability and flexible learning options
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Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
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Data Science, Communication, Business
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Excellent post-study work opportunities and practical focus
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University of Western Australia (UWA)
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Engineering, Business, Health Sciences
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High research impact and good PR opportunities for graduates
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Each of these universities is highly regarded for its academic excellence, global reach, and outstanding career outcomes for its graduates. Choosing any of them will give you a strong head start after your Master's Degree in Australia.
How Much Does a Master's Degree Cost in Australia?
Financial planning is a necessity before pursuing a Master's Degree in Australia. Tuition and cost of living differ based on the programme of study, the institution, and the city.
Here's a common annual cost profile:
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Spent Amount
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Estimated Cost (per year)
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Tuition Fees
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AUD $17,000 - AUD $53,000
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Living and other expenses
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AUD $20,000 - AUD $27,000
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Note: The cost of studying in Australia has been taken from credible sources and is subject to change depending on the economy. Request students to check the latest fee structure during the application process. Studying in a city like Sydney or Melbourne may be more costly than regional cities like Adelaide or Brisbane.
Students can reduce the cost of a master's degree in Australia by pursuing scholarships and working part-time while studying. AECC helps students select affordable master's courses in Australia, allowing them to reduce costs without compromising quality.
Documents Required for Master's Degree Programmes:
Applying for a Master's Degree in Australia means preparing all your documents well in advance to avoid any last-minute delays. While specific requirements can vary by university and course, here is a general checklist to get you started:
- Academic transcripts from your bachelor's degree
- Valid passport (with sufficient validity)
- English proficiency test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) explaining your study goals
- Letters of Recommendation (usually two)
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
- Proof of work experience (if required for specific courses)
- Portfolio (for design, architecture, or creative courses)
- Research proposal (only if applying for a research-based master's)
Each university may require additional documents based on the course type, so it's best to double-check the exact list when applying to study abroad in Australia's master's programmes.
Australia Student Visa for Sri Lankan Students
To study in Australia, you will need a Subclass 500 Student Visa.
Subclass 500 Student Visa Process- Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) from the chosen university
- Valid passport
- Sufficient Funds for Tuition and Living Expenses
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- English proficiency test scores (IELTS, TOEFL or PTE)
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement
- Academic qualifications and work experience (if required)
- Health and character documents
Processing times can vary, so it is advisable to apply early and ensure that all required documents are complete. Having your visa ready also lets you plan for a Poststudy work visa in Australia later on.
Scholarships for a Master's Degree in Australia
Many scholarships are available to help ease the cost of a master's degree in Australia for Sri Lankan students. These include:
- Australia Awards Scholarships: Government-funded, covering full tuition and living expenses.
- Destination Australia Scholarships: Supports students studying in regional Australia.
- University-specific scholarships: Offered by top universities like ANU, Monash, and UNSW.
- Course-specific scholarships Available for fields such as Engineering, IT, and Health Sciences.
Job After Master's Degree in Australia
Pursuing a Master's Degree in Australia offers tremendous opportunities for a fulfilling career. Australia's economy offers jobs to international graduates in top industries.
After completing the course, you can apply for a Post-study work visa in Australia (Subclass 485) and work full-time for up to two to four years. The experience gained here will make you eligible for permanent residency (PR) under skilled migration channels.
Top job sectors for graduates:
- Information Technology – IT Consultant, Software Developer
- Engineering – Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer
- Business and Finance – Financial Analyst, Business Consultant
- Healthcare – Registered Nurse, Public Health Officer
- Education – Academic Researcher, Lecturer
- Data Science – Data Analyst, Machine Learning Engineer
A Master's degree in Australia enhances your job prospects, raises your income-earning capacity, and offers long-term settlement opportunities. AECC's professional counselling staff can help you choose courses that are relevant to Australia's in-demand industries, providing you with the optimum career advantage upon graduation.
Pursuing a Master's Degree in Australia offers Sri Lankan students a valuable opportunity to gain a world-class education, hands-on experience, and exposure at the global level. Enjoying access to the world's top-ranked universities for master's in Australia, diverse Postgraduate courses in Australia, and robust job markets, your educational investment may open doors to a new level of life.
We understand how daunting the process of pursuing studies abroad can be. That's the reason our expert counsellors are present here — to take you through the selection of the perfect programme leading up to submitting Australia master's degree applications, visa processing, and even finding the best Master's courses for Sri Lankan students in Australia.
FAQs
Do I need IELTS for a Master's in Australia?
Yes, most institutions require the IELTS or an alternative English proficiency test (such as TOEFL or PTE) for Master's courses. Generally speaking, you will require a total IELTS score of 6.5 or higher, although the criteria differ from one institution to another.
How long can I stay in Australia after completing my master's degree?
Once you have finished your Master's studies, you are eligible for a Post-study work visa (Subclass 485) for 2 years of residence in larger cities or 4 years of residence in rural areas of Australia to gain work experience.
What is the fastest master's degree?
The most rapid Master's degrees available in Australia are 12- to 18-month programmes, such as the MBA, Information Technology, and Health Sciences. Such fast-track degrees enable you to enter the workforce immediately while saving on living expenses.
Can I work while studying for a Master's degree in Australia?
Yes, international students are entitled to work up to 48 hours a fortnight during term time and full-time during vacations. It contributes towards offsetting the cost of living while developing significant work experience here.
What are the job prospects after completing a Master's degree in Australia?
Master's graduates enjoy excellent job opportunities within IT, business, engineering, healthcare, and education industries. Most jobs, including IT Consultant, Data Analyst, and Engineer, are featured on Australia's Skilled Occupation List, facilitating PR pathways.
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Nidhi Mehrotra, with extensive experience in Australian education, has helped countless students achieve their dreams of studying in Australia. Known for her expertise in visa applications and course selection, her guidance ensures success. Outside work, she enjoys reading and exploring new recipes, adding a personal touch to her mentoring.
